Oh the Green Shamrocks -Postcard Friendship Friday #396

I love Ireland and all things Irish.  Green is one of my favorite colors--and this charming postcard by artist Ellen Clapsaddle is one of my favorites.

The man for whom St. Patrick’s Day is named was born into an aristocratic family in Roman Britain around the end of the fourth century. As a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland, where for years he was a slave. Eventually he escaped, only to return later on as a missionary who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle.  After his death he was named the patron saint of Ireland. 

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, which began as a religious holiday, is celebrated March 17 on the Feast of St. Patrick. 

 Irish immigrants who came to America were the first to honor their heritage while embracing their new homeland on this holiday. They held parades, ate wonderful authentic Irish foods, with more than a bit of a party thrown in.  Thanks to Irish folks in the United States and elsewhere, St. Patrick’s Day eventually evolved from a little known religious holiday into a secular celebration of all things Irish. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City in the 1760s.  

However, it wasn't until much later St. Patrick's Day was actually celebrated in Ireland itself.  Thankfully, today it has become a national holiday with schools and government buildings closed.

Because there are some 34.5 million Americans claiming to be primarily, or partially of Irish descent, the wearing of the green on March 17 is still going strong here.  Indeed, I am proud of my Irish heritage—as was my Daddy.

I wish you Happy St. Patrick's Day, dear Friends.  Blessings and joy to each of you and have a lovely Postcard Friendship Friday!

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week!     

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The Charm of the Morn to you -Postcard Friendship Friday #301

The Irish are a tough independent people.  I am honored that on my Father's side, we can trace our family line directly from Ireland.  With a twinkle in his eye, Dad always said he was part Leprechaun.  As a little girl, of course, I believed every word.  Daddy  was a bit "fey."  

It is no surprise green is one of my favorite colors and that Ireland is an enchanted place I intend to visit one day.  

Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends--thank you for dropping by and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

NOTE: I am SO sorry, Friends--I had the Linky link all ready to go, too.  It is up now!  I apologize for missing on that.  Thank you for your patience.  I was getting ready to speak for a lady's retreat and I guess I just totally spaced adding the link.  

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week!     

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you! 

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  A REMINDER:  Links which do not have to do with Postcard Friendship  Friday will be removed.  Links which advertise various products will share that same fate.  Any and all suspicious links will be reported to Blogspot then deleted.

Erin Go Bragh! -Postcard Friendship Friday #260

I posted this wonderful reproduction of an old postcard several years ago.  It is is one of my favorite postcards. I love the delicate curls and the pretty harp hanging from her waist.  

What I still don't understand, is why the pig is in the postcard.  There are lots of St. Patrick's Day artwork with pigs.  Is this an Irish custom I haven't heard about yet?  I would love to know what the story is!

Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends--and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday. 

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week!     

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard,be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you! 

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

 *  REMINDER:  and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.

The Wearing of the Green -Postcard Friendship Friday #110

In the 1700's all of Ireland's lands were confiscated by the British.  Over 500,000 Irish Irish families were evicted, or were forced to pay rent for the homes and lands they'd previously owned.

In response to this injustice, a full-fledge rebellion broke out.  In 1791, in opposition to British rule, the Irish formed a political group called the "United Irishmen." The symbol of this group became the green banner with a golden harp on it.

After attempts by the British Government to extinguish the United Irishmen, a series of small battles broke out in the countryside. In 1798, the rebels stood their ground at the battle of Vinegar Hill, near Enniscorthy. The Irish were sadly outnumbered and many brave men died. From that time onward the "wearing of the green" has been a symbol of Irish unity and cultural identity.

During the great famine, when millions of Irish left their homeland for America, the "green" came with them,  symbolic of the Irish struggle for independence.

In the U.S, the first St. Paddy's Day parade took place in 1779.  Since that time there are parades all across America celebrating the wearing O' the green.

I am proud of my Irish heritage.  The Irish are big-hearted, sometimes hot tempered, spunky and tough--as well as innovative, smart and creative.  And not to mention a bit fey!

Have a lovely weekend, and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week! 

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.